John A. Harvey, Ph.D.
Professor
Ph.D. (1959) University of Chicago
Phone: 215-762-2396  
Email: john.harvey@drexel.edu

Summary of research interests
This laboratory is examining the neuronal circuitry, endogenous transmitter systems and molecular cascades that are involved in learning and memory.  Associative learning is measured during classical (Pavlovian) conditioning of a brain stem reflex in the rabbit and mouse. These studies have indicated a critical role for circuitry involving the hippocampus and medial prefrontal cortex for trace conditioning and the brain stem/olivo-cerebellar system in delay conditioning.  Currently, we are focusing on the regulation of learning mediated by serotonin 5-HT2A receptors and the role of synchronous activity in cortex and inferior olive.

Selected References:
Zhen X, Du W, Romano AG, Friedman E, Harvey JA (2001) The p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase is involved in associative learning in rabbits. J Neurosci, 21:5513-5519.

Aloyo VJ, Dave KD, Rahman T, Harvey JA (2001) Selective and divergent regulation of cortical 5-HT2_A receptors in the rabbit. J Pharmacol Exp Ther, 299, 1066-1072.

Dave, KD, Harvey JA, Aloyo VJ (2002) A novel behavioral model that discriminates between 5-HT2_A and 5-HT2_C receptor activation.  Pharmacol Biochem Behav, 72: 371-378

Harvey JA (2003) Role of the serotonin 5-HT_2A receptor in learning. Learn Mem 10:355-362.

Dave KD, Fernando GS, Quinn JL, Harvey JA, Aloyo VJ (2004) Serotonin 5-HT_2A receptors in the CA1 field of the hippocampus mediate head movements in the rabbit. Psychopharmacology 176:287-295.

Harvey JA, Quinn JL, Liu R, Aloyo VJ, Romano AG (2004) Selective remodeling of frontal cortex: Relationship between 5-HT_2A receptor density and associative learning. Psychopharmacology 172:435-442.

Berg KA, Harvey JA, Spampinato U, Clarke WP (2005) Physiological relevance of constitutive activity of 5-HT_2A and 5-HT_2C receptors. Trends Pharmacol Sci, 26:625-630.

Romano AG, Quinn JL, Liu R, Dave KD, Schwab D, Alexander G, Aloyo VJ, Harvey, JA (2006) Effect of serotonin depletion on 5-HT_2A mediated learning: evidence for constitutive activity of the 5-HT_2A receptor in vivo.  Psychopharmacology, 184:173-181.